I don't believe the DS3R allows for hot-swaps.
Use the purple SATA ports if you wish to run your Raptors in Raid 0.
If you are not oc'ing, leave the ram setting per SPD.
Unless you have a PCI-e SATA controller, all SATA components will be driven by the Intel Controller.

I don't see why you couldn't use 2x IDE drives on the IDE channel. Just set-up the drive jumpers properly (Master vs. Slave) and connect the Master drive at the end connector, while the Slave drive can be connected at the mid connector.

I don't see why you couldn't use 2x IDE drives on the IDE channel. Just set-up the drive jumpers properly (Master vs. Slave) and connect the Master drive at the end connector, while the Slave drive can be connected at the mid connector.

Aren't the IDE Connectors part of the purple sata connectors. In other words, if using Purple as raido, then no IDE.